Self-calibrating RF network and system and method for use of the same

ABSTRACT

A self-calibrating RF network and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the self-calibrating RF network includes multiple hospitality properties, wherein RF network includes a property server located in communication with a terminal device providing data services through distribution elements to end point devices, such as set-top boxes. Each of the property servers collects RF performance data relative to the terminal device, the distribution elements, and the end point devices. The RF performance data is analyzed by a remote central server that provides RF adjustment data, which is indicative of power and equalization adjustments to the terminal device, power and equalization adjustments to the plurality of distribution elements, and power and ranging adjustments to the plurality of end point devices.

PRIORITY STATEMENT & CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/916,570 entitled “Self-Calibrating RF Network and System and Methodfor Use of Same” filed on Jun. 30, 2020, in the names of William C.Fang, et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 11,172,384 issued on Nov. 9, 2021; whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/723,608entitled “Self-Calibrating RF Network and System and Method for Use ofSame,” filed on Oct. 3, 2017, in the names of William C. Fang et al.,now U.S. Pat. No. 10,701,569, issued on Jun. 30, 2020; which claimspriority from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/403,244 entitled“Self-Calibrating RF Network and System and Method for Use of the Same”filed on Oct. 3, 2016, in the names of William C. Fang et al.; all ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference, in entirety, for allpurposes. This application discloses subject matter related to thesubject matter disclosed in the following commonly owned, application:U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/723,769 entitled “DistributionElement for a Self-Calibrating RF Network and System and Method for Useof the Same” filed on Oct. 3, 2017, in the names of William C. Fang etal., now U.S. Pat. No. 10,425,617, issued on Sep. 24, 2019; which ishereby incorporated by reference, in entirety, for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates, in general, to high-bandwidth data transfersover an existing cable TV (CATV) radio frequency (RF) network and, inparticular, to self-calibrating RF networks and systems and methods foruse of the same that address and enhance network performance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the present invention, the background willbe described in relation to televisions in the hospitality lodgingindustry, as an example. To many individuals, a television is more thanjust a display screen, rather it is a doorway to the world, both realand imaginary, and a way to experience new possibilities anddiscoveries. Consumers are demanding enhanced content in an easy-to-useplatform. As a result of such consumer preferences, the quality ofcontent and ease-of-use are frequent differentiators in determining theexperience of guests staying in hospitality lodging establishments.Accordingly, there is a need for improved systems and methods forproviding enhanced content in an easy-to-use platform in the hospitalitylodging industry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be advantageous to achieve a high bandwidth data transfer RFnetwork that would improve upon existing limitations in performance. Itwould also be desirable to enable a computer-based electronics andsoftware solution that would provide an experience in the hospitalitylodging industry, or in another environment, with minimum video glitchesand data interruptions. To better address one or more of these concerns,a self-calibrating RF network and system and method for use of the sameare disclosed. In one embodiment, the self-calibrating RF networkincludes multiple hospitality properties, wherein each RF networkincludes a property server located in communication with a terminaldevice providing data services through distribution elements to endpoint devices, such as set-top boxes. Each of the property serverscollects RF performance data relative to the terminal device, thedistribution elements, and the end point devices. The RF performancedata is analyzed by a remote central server that provides RF adjustmentdata, which is indicative of power and equalization adjustments to theterminal device, power and equalization adjustments to the plurality ofdistribution elements, and power and ranging adjustments to theplurality of end point devices. These and other aspects of the inventionwill be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodimentsdescribed hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of thepresent invention, reference is now made to the detailed description ofthe invention along with the accompanying figures in which correspondingnumerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of aself-calibrating RF network having high-bandwidth data transfers thereonaccording to the teachings presented herein;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting in additional detail a portionof the self-calibrating RF network shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of aself-calibrating CATV RF network having high-bandwidth data transfersthereon according to the teachings presented herein;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram depicting one embodiment of amanagement server presented in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 ;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram depicting one embodiment of amanagement server presented in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 ; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of a method for using aself-calibrating RF network according to the teachings presented herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the presentinvention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated thatthe present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts, whichcan be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways tomake and use the invention, and do not delimit the scope of the presentinvention.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 , therein is depicted one embodiment of asystem for providing self-calibrating RF networks, which isschematically illustrated and generally designated 10. A managementserver 12 utilizes the Internet 14 to communicate with multipleproperties 16, which are individually labeled 16-1, 16-2, . . . 16-n.Each of the properties 16 may be a hospitality lodging establishment.The hospitality lodging establishment or, more generally, hospitalityproperty, may be a multi-family residence, dormitory, lodgingestablishment, hotel, hospital, or other multi-unit environment, forexample.

Each of the hospitality properties 16 includes an RF network 18 having aproperty server 20 located in communication with a terminal device 22.The property server and the terminal device 22 may be at least partiallyintegrated. The terminal device 22 provides data services throughdistribution elements 24 to end point devices 26, which subscribe to thedata services. As illustrated, each end point device 26 is labeled 26-1,26-2, . . . 26-n. In one implementation, each of the properties 16 mayinclude multiple rooms, generally labeled 28 and individually labeled28-1, 28-2, . . . , 28-n. Further, each of the end point devices 26 maybe located in a room 28.

More specifically, the terminal device 22 includes point-to-multipointtransmission in a downstream direction and multipoint-to-pointtransmission in the upstream direction. Further, the terminal device 22may be a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) or a video distributionmodulation device, for example. The distribution elements 24 may providebi-directional RF signal distribution capability between the end pointdevices 26 and the terminal device 22. Additionally, the distributionelements 24 may provide self-generating upstream and downstream testsignals for signal path diagnostic purposes. In one embodiment, thedistribution elements 24 may include distribution amplifiers. The endpoint devices 26 furnish upstream maintenance on power adjustmentsthrough ranging requests and the end point devices 26 may include cablemodem receivers or set-top boxes, for example.

As illustrated, each property server 20 sends RF performance data 30 tothe management server 12. The individual instances of RF performancedata 30 are labeled 30-1, 30-2, . . . , 30-n. The management server 12processes the RF performance data 30 and sends RF adjustment data 32, inresponse, to the property servers 20. As shown, the individual instancesof RF adjustment data 32 are labeled 32-1, 32-2, . . . , 32-n. A lessthan optimal tuned RF network typically experiences video glitches anddata interruptions on the Internet connections of the subscribers at theend point devices 26. The system 10 provides self-monitoring andself-calibrating to the RF network 18 to optimally tune the RF network18 and mitigate unwanted video glitches and data interruptions. Themanagement server 12 receives the RF performance data 30, which includesphysical device location information, the connection and distributioninformation, and substantially real time signal power level and qualityreports and analyzes the data and determines the necessary adjustmentsto the various components—terminal device 22, distribution elements 24,and end point devices 26—within the property 16. The various performancecriteria and the signal adjustment algorithms are determined by andstored at the management server 12.

In one embodiment of this architecture, the distribution elements 24include network controlled amplifiers that provide bidirectional RFsignal distribution between the end point devices 26 and the terminaldevice 22, which, as mentioned, may include headend modulation equipmentsuch as video servers and CMTS. Such distribution elements may includebuilt-in cable modem functionality that permits communication with theterminal device 22 and the end point devices 26, to enable the feedingof the signal measurement data to the management server 12 to completethe monitoring and provide for the calibration. In this scheme, thedistribution elements 24 adjust the amplification levels and participatein diagnostic exercise by enabling test signal and test patters tobother upstream and downstream RF paths within the RF network 18.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , the property server 16-1 receives RFperformance data relative to the terminal device 22, the distributionelements 24, and the end point devices 26 as shown by arrows 40, 42, 44.The RF performance data 42 from the distribution elements 24 to theproperty server 20 may be sent directly to the property server 20 orindirectly to the property server 20 through the terminal device 22.Similarly, the RF performance data 44 from the end point devices 26 tothe property server 20 may be sent directly to the property server 20 orindirectly through either the distribution elements 24 or the terminaldevice 22 or both the distribution elements 24 and the terminal device22.

The property server 16-1 receives the RF adjustment data 32-1 relativeto the terminal device 22, the distribution elements 24, and the endpoint devices 26. The property server 16-1 then distributes the RFadjustment data 32-1 as shown by arrows 46, 48, 50. The RF adjustmentdata 48 to the distribution elements 24 from the property server 20 maybe sent directly to the distribution elements 24 or indirectly to thedistribution elements through the terminal device 22. Similarly, the RFperformance data 50 to the end point devices 26 from the property server20 may be sent directly to the end point devices 26 or indirectlythrough either the distribution elements 24 or the terminal device 22 orboth the distribution elements 24 and the terminal device 22. It shouldbe appreciated that depending on the RF adjustment data 32-1 receivedfrom the management server 12, none or a subset of the RF adjustmentdata 46, 48, 50 may be sent by the property server 20 to the terminaldevice 22, distribution elements 24, and end point devices 26.

The RF performance data 30-1, which includes the RF performance data 40,42, 44, may include analogue parameters and digital parameters. Theproperty server 16-1, through communications with the terminal device22, distribution elements 24, and end point devices 26, may measureanalog parameters including analog signal levels, carrier level, carrierto noise ratio (CNR), signal to noise ratio (SNR), power line hummodulation. The property server 16-1, through communications with theterminal device 22, distribution elements 24, and end point devices 26,may measure digital parameters including modulation error ratio (MER),bit error rate (BER), digital signal level, frequency of lost packets,and jitter. Other parameters measured may include transmit time andassociated timing adjustments that address the amount that the terminaldevice 22 and end point devices 26 must change transmit time in orderfor bursts to arrive at the appropriate time. Power level relating tothe time length value (TLV) of cable modem signals may be monitored tooas well as ranging status addressing the maintenance of cable modemsignals.

Analogous to the RF performance data 30-1, the RF adjustment data 32-1,which includes the RF adjustment data 46, 48, 50, may includeadjustments to analogue parameters and digital parameters. The propertyserver 16-1, through communications with the terminal device 22,distribution elements 24, and end point devices 26, upon receiving theRF adjustment data 32-1 from the management server 12, may adjust analogparameters including analog signal levels, carrier level, carrier tonoise ratio (CNR), signal to noise ratio (SNR), power line hummodulation. The property server 16-1, through communications with theterminal device 22, distribution elements 24, and end point devices 26,may also adjust digital parameters including modulation error ratio(MER), bit error rate (BER), digital signal level, frequency of lostpackets, and jitter. Other parameters adjusted may include transmit timeand associated timing adjustments that address the amount that theterminal device 22 and end point devices 26 must change transmit time inorder for bursts to arrive at the appropriate time. Power level relatingto the time length value (TLV) of cable modem signals may be adjustedtoo, as well as ranging status addressing the maintenance of cable modemsignals.

The system 10 presented herein, in one embodiment, includes a managementserver 12 that can receive RF performance data relative to all deviceson the RF network 18, including the property server 20, terminal device22, distribution elements 24, and the end point devices 26. Themanagement server 12 may then analyze the RF performance data 30received and then provide the necessary power adjustments andequalization to the appropriate devices. Within one embodiment of thissystem 10, the end point devices 26 are able to provide signalmeasurement and diagnostic information back to the management server 12by utilizing proactive network management technology. Additionally, theend point devices 26 exercise the standard upstream maintenance on poweradjustments through various ranging requests and responses with theterminal device 22.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , wherein one embodiment of a self-calibratingCATV RF network 70 having high-bandwidth data transfers thereonaccording to the teachings presented herein is illustrated. Similar tothe RF network 18, the CATV RF network 70 includes the management server12, which is a cloud-based server, in communication with properties 16via the Internet 14. The property server 20 is co-located with CMTS 72,which server as the terminal device 22. As discussed, the managementserver 12, which will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow, may be acentralized management server that can take physical device locationinformation, connection and distribution information and real timesignal power level and quality reports from each end point device. Themanagement server 12 may then analyze the data and determine thenecessary adjustments to the distribution amplifiers and the headendmodulation devices. The performance criteria and the signal adjustmentalgorithms are determined by the management server 12 or alternatively,stored at the management server 12.

In one embodiment, the CATV RF network 70 includes high-bandwidth datatransfers and a shared bi-directional network with point-to-multipointtransmission in the downstream direction, and multipoint-to-pointtransmission in the upstream direction. Signals are distributed via anelectrical signal on coaxial cable, for example via a tree and branchcoaxial cable distribution network. Terminal equipment supports thedelivery of cable services (video, data and voice services) tosubscribers, via cable modems, for example. Data and voice services aresupported by cable modems and communication gateways, respectively,which require the use of an upstream signal path. The network may use afiber optic upstream signal path from the node to the headend. A returnband is used to support transmissions from devices at subscriber's roomsto the headend.

Such a CATV RF network 70 generally uses standardized communicationprotocol based on the Data over Cable System Interface Specification(DOCSIS) to access data services through the cable network, by using thedownstream path to indicate exactly when each modem is permitted totransmit in the upstream direction. The DOCSIS utilizes two primary datatransmission elements; namely, the CMTS 72 located in specified nodes onthe CATV RF network 70 for distributing data to end-of-line subscribers;and set-top boxes residing at subscriber's rooms. Subscribers send datafrom their digital devices (PC, VoIP phone, Video IP device, etc) intothe set-top box, which then relays the data to the CMTS, which in turnrelays the information to the appropriate network element. Informationdestined to the subscriber digital device is provided from the networkto the CMTS, which in turn relays the information to the set-top box.The set-top box in turn relays the information to the subscriber'sdigital device, such as a television. Additional network elements may beplaced inside the cable network to support service delivery or tomonitor service quality. All system maintenance, operation and networkcommunications are outlined in the DOCSIS specification.

The DOCSIS requires that the downstream communication path be properlyfunctioning for any upstream communication to happen. In cases where thesignal to noise ratio (SNR) is too low in the downstream path for thecable modem to receive data, the downstream path may be unusable whilethe upstream path may function correctly. In such cases, a service callmay require a service technician to be dispatched to a subscriber'slocation, considerable cost and loss of time. It is, therefore,advantageous to implement an overall network management system that canquickly and cost-effectively locate various network faults and monitornetwork performance to allow for optimum delivery of various services tosubscribers.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 3 , the CMTS 72 is a piece of equipment,typically located at a headend of the hospitality lodging establishment.The CMTS 72 is used to provide high speed data services, such as cableInternet or Voice over Internet Protocol, to cable subscribers. Variousheadend and video modulation devices may be incorporated into the CMTS72 to receive RF signals transmitted efficiently through long distancesand decode the RF signals at the video modulation devices.

A splitter 72 divides the signal and distribution amplifiers 74, 76, 78take an RF signal as an input, amplify, and output the amplified RFsignal, which, as shown travels through splitters 80, 82, 84 prior toreaching rooms 28-1, 28-2, 28-3, 28-4, 28-5, 28-6, 28-7, 28-8, and 28-9.In the various rooms 28 of the property, set-top boxes 86, 88, 90 92,92, 96, 98, 100, 102 and displays 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116,118, 120 are located. As used herein, set-top boxes, back boxes andset-top/back boxes may be discussed as set-top boxes. By way of example,the set-top box may be a set-top unit that is an information appliancedevice that generally contains set-top box functionality includinghaving a television-tuner input and displays output through a connectionto the display or the television set and an external source of signal,turning by way of tuning the source signal into content in a form thatcan then be displayed on the television screen or other display device.Such set-top boxes are used in cable television, satellite television,and over-the-air television systems, for example.

The displays 102 through 120 may be an output device for display ofinformation and the television set may be a device that combineselements of a tuner, display, and loudspeakers for the purpose ofviewing information. As shown, groups of set-top boxes are secured tosplitters 80, 82, 84, which may act as directional couplers, which arepassive devices used in the field of RF that couple a defined amount ofthe electromagnetic power in a transmission line to a port enabling theRF signal to be used by multiple set-top boxes.

As depicted in FIG. 3 , RF performance and diagnostic data 130, 132,134, 136 is collected from the property server 20, CMTS 72, distributionamplifier 74, and the set-top box 86, by way of the ranging maintenancedata 138. The management server 12 analyzes this data and sends powerand equalization adjustments 140, 142 to the property 16. Additionally,ranging maintenance 144 is provided to the set-top box 86.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the management server 12 includes a processor 160,memory 162, storage 164, inputs 166, and outputs 168 are interconnectedby a bus architecture 170 within a mounting architecture. Moregenerally, with respect to the management server 12, a common ordistributed, for example, mounting architecture may be employed. Inother implementations, in the management server 12, multiple processorsand/or multiple buses may be used, as appropriate, along with multiplememories and types of memory. Further still, in other implementations,multiple computing devices may be provided and operations distributedtherebetween.

The processor 160 may process instructions for execution within thecomputing device, including instructions stored in the memory 162 or inthe storage 164. The memory 162 stores information within the computingdevice. In one implementation, the memory 162 is a volatile memory unitor units. In another implementation, the memory 162 is a non-volatilememory unit or units. Storage 164 provides capacity that is capable ofproviding mass storage for the management server 12. Various inputs 166and outputs 168 provide connections to and from the management server12, wherein the inputs 166 are the signals or data received by themanagement server 12, and the outputs 168 are the signals or data sentfrom the management server 12. In one implementation, the inputs 166 andthe outputs 168 provide the connectivity to the Internet 14 and,therefore, the communication with the properties 16.

The memory 162 and storage 164 are accessible to the processor 160 andinclude processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause theprocessor 160 to execute a series of operations. Theprocessor-executable instructions receive at the inputs 166 the RFperformance data from the properties 16 and thereafter, analyze the RFperformance data. The processor executable instructions then, based onthe analysis, determine at least one of: power and equalizationadjustments to the terminal device, power and equalization adjustmentsto the multiple distribution elements, and various ranging maintenanceto the end point devices. The processor-executable instructions thencause the processor to send at the outputs RF adjustment data, which, asdiscussed, the RF adjustment data may include adjustments to parametersselected from the group consisting of analog signal levels, carrierlevel, carrier to noise ratio (CNR), signal to noise ratio (SNR), powerline hum modulation, modulation error ratio (MER), bit error rate (BER),digital signal level, frequency of lost packets, jitter, transmit time,power level, and ranging status.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , in one embodiment, the property server 20includes a processor 180, memory 182, storage 184, inputs 186, outputs188, and a transceiver 190 are interconnected by a bus architecture 192within a mounting architecture. More generally, with respect to theproperty server 20, a common or distributed, for example, mountingarchitecture may be employed. In other implementations, in the propertyserver 20, multiple processors and/or multiple buses may be used, asappropriate, along with multiple memories and types of memory. Furtherstill, in other implementations, multiple computing devices may beprovided and operations distributed therebetween.

The processor 180 may process instructions for execution within theproperty server 20, including instructions stored in the memory 182 orin the storage 184. The memory 182 stores information within thecomputing device. In one implementation, the memory 182 is a volatilememory unit or units. In another implementation, the memory 182 is anon-volatile memory unit or units. The storage 184 provides capacitythat is capable of providing mass storage for the property server 20.The various inputs 186 and outputs 188 provide connections to and fromthe computing device, wherein the inputs 186 are the signals or datareceived by the server, and the outputs 188 are the signals or data sentfrom the property server 20. The transceiver 190 provides wirelesscapability to the property server 20. The inputs 186, the outputs 188,and/or the transceiver 190 may be utilized to communicate with theterminal device, distribution elements, and the end point devices aswell as the management server via the Internet.

The memory 182 and the storage 184 are accessible to the processor 180and include processor-executable instructions that, when executed, causethe processor 180 to execute a series of operations. Theprocessor-executable instructions receive at the inputs the RFperformance data relative to the terminal device, the distributionelements, and the end point devices. Then, the processor-executableinstructions cause the processor to send at the outputs the RFperformance data. Following the analysis by the manager server, theprocessor is caused to receive at the inputs RF adjustment data relativeto the terminal device, the plurality of distribution elements, and theplurality of end point devices and process the RF adjustment data. Theprocessor-executable instructions then cause the processor 180, based onthe processing, to send at the outputs 188 at least one of: power andequalization adjustments to the terminal device, power and equalizationadjustments to the distribution elements, and power and rangingadjustments to the end point devices.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , therein is depicted one embodiment of a methodfor using a self-calibrating RF network according to the teachingspresented herein. At block 200, the property server monitors the RFperformance at the property headend, which, as previously mentioned, mayinclude the property server and the terminal device. At block 202, RFperformance is monitored at the property distribution network, betweenthe property headend and the end point devices. At block 204, RFperformance is monitored at the end point devices, which, as discussed,may be set-top boxes. At block 206, the RF performance data is sent tothe cloud-based management server, which monitors multiple, discreteproperties.

At block 208, the RF performance data is analyzed at the managementserver. At block 210, if any adjustments are needed in the propertyheadend, property distribution network and/or end point devices, RFadjustments are sent from the management server to the property. Atblock 212, the necessary RF adjustments are made at the propertyheadend, property distribution network and/or end point devices. Theprocess then returns to block 200.

The order of execution or performance of the methods and data flowsillustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwisespecified. That is, elements of the methods and data flows may beperformed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and that the methodsmay include more or less elements than those disclosed herein. Forexample, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particularelement before, contemporaneously with, or after another element are allpossible sequences of execution.

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrativeembodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in alimiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of theillustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention,will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to thedescription. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claimsencompass any such modifications or embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for providing a self-calibrating RFnetwork, the system comprising: a programming interface being configuredto communicate with a server, the server having a processor,non-transitory memory, storage, inputs, outputs, and a terminal devicecommunicatively interconnected in a busing architecture, the terminaldevice providing data services through a plurality of distributionelements to a plurality of end point devices, the plurality of end pointdevices subscribing to the data services, the inputs receiving RFperformance data relative to the terminal device, the plurality ofdistribution elements, and the plurality of end point devices; the RFperformance data including physical device location information, the RFperformance data further comprises parameters selected from the groupconsisting of analog signal levels, carrier level, carrier to noiseratio (CNR), signal to noise ratio (SNR), power line hum modulation,modulation error ratio (MER), bit error rate (BER), digital signallevel, frequency of lost packets, jitter, transmit time, power level,and ranging status; and the non-transitory memory being accessible tothe processor, the non-transitory memory including processor-executableinstructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to:receive at the inputs the RF performance data relative to the terminaldevice, the plurality of distribution elements, and the plurality of endpoint devices, send at the outputs the RF performance data to acloud-based central server located remote relative to the server,receive, from the cloud-based central server, at the inputs RFadjustment data relative to the terminal device, the plurality ofdistribution elements, and the plurality of end point devices, processthe RF adjustment data, and based on the processing, send at the outputsat least one of: power and equalization adjustments to the terminaldevice, power and equalization adjustments to the plurality ofdistribution elements, and power and ranging adjustments to theplurality of end point devices.
 2. The system as recited in claim 1,wherein the RF performance data relates to a hospitality propertyselected from the group consisting of furnished multi-family residences,dormitories, lodging establishments, hotels, and hospitals.
 3. Thesystem as recited in claim 1, wherein the terminal device furthercomprises point-to-multipoint transmission in a downstream direction andmultipoint-to-point transmission in an upstream direction.
 4. The systemas recited in claim 1, wherein the terminal device further comprises adevice selected from the group consisting of cable modem terminationsystems and video distribution modulation devices.
 5. The system asrecited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of distribution elementsprovides bi-directional RF signal distribution capability between theplurality of end point devices and the terminal device and provideself-generating upstream and downstream test signals for signal pathdiagnostic purposes.
 6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein theplurality of distribution elements further comprises distributionamplifiers.
 7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the pluralityof end point devices provides upstream maintenance on power adjustmentsthrough ranging requests.
 8. The system as recited in claim 1, whereinthe plurality of end point devices further comprise a device selectedfrom the group consisting of cable modem receivers and set-top boxes. 9.The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the RF performance datafurther comprises analog and digital parameters.
 10. The system asrecited in claim 1, wherein the RF performance data further comprisesanalogue parameters.
 11. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein theRF performance data further comprises digital parameters.
 12. The systemas recited in claim 1, wherein the RF adjustment data further comprisesadjustments to analogue parameters.
 13. The system as recited in claim1, wherein the RF adjustment data further comprises adjustments todigital parameters.
 14. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the RFadjustment data further comprises adjustments to parameters selectedfrom the group consisting of analog signal levels, carrier level,carrier to noise ratio (CNR), signal to noise ratio (SNR), power linehum modulation, modulation error ratio (MER), bit error rate (BER),digital signal level, frequency of lost packets, jitter, transmit time,power level, and ranging status.
 15. The system as recited in claim 1,wherein the server comprises cloud-based functionality.
 16. A system forproviding a self-calibrating RF network, the system comprising: aprogramming interface being configured to communicate with a server, theserver having a processor, non-transitory memory, storage, inputs,outputs, and a terminal device communicatively interconnected in abusing architecture, the terminal device providing data services througha plurality of distribution elements to a plurality of end pointdevices, the plurality of end point devices subscribing to the dataservices, the terminal device including point-to-multipoint transmissionin a downstream direction and multipoint-to-point transmission in anupstream direction, the terminal device being a device selected from thegroup consisting of cable modem termination systems and videodistribution modulation devices, the inputs receiving RF performancedata relative to the terminal device, the plurality of distributionelements, and the plurality of end point devices; the RF performancedata including physical device location information, the RF performancedata further comprises parameters selected from the group consisting ofanalog signal levels, carrier level, carrier to noise ratio (CNR),signal to noise ratio (SNR), power line hum modulation, modulation errorratio (MER), bit error rate (BER), digital signal level, frequency oflost packets, jitter, transmit time, power level, and ranging status;and the non-transitory memory being accessible to the processor, thenon-transitory memory including processor-executable instructions that,when executed by the processor, cause the system to: receive at theinputs the RF performance data relative to the terminal device, theplurality of distribution elements, and the plurality of end pointdevices, send at the outputs the RF performance data to a cloud-basedcentral server located remote relative to the server, receive, from thecloud-based central server, at the inputs RF adjustment data relative tothe terminal device, the plurality of distribution elements, and theplurality of end point devices, process the RF adjustment data, andbased on the processing, send at the outputs at least one of: power andequalization adjustments to the terminal device, power and equalizationadjustments to the plurality of distribution elements, and power andranging adjustments to the plurality of end point devices.
 17. Thesystem as recited in claim 16, wherein the RF performance data relatesto a hospitality property selected from the group consisting offurnished multi-family residences, dormitories, lodging establishments,hotels, and hospitals.
 18. The system as recited in claim 16, whereinthe plurality of distribution elements provides bi-directional RF signaldistribution capability between the plurality of end point devices andthe terminal device and provide self-generating upstream and downstreamtest signals for signal path diagnostic purposes.
 19. A system forproviding a self-calibrating RF network, the system comprising: aprogramming interface being configured to communicate with a server, theserver having a processor, non-transitory memory, storage, inputs,outputs, and a terminal device communicatively interconnected in abusing architecture, the terminal device providing data services througha plurality of distribution elements to a plurality of end pointdevices, the plurality of end point devices subscribing to the dataservices, the inputs receiving RF performance data relative to theterminal device, the plurality of distribution elements, and theplurality of end point devices; the RF performance data includingphysical device location information, the RF performance data furthercomprises parameters selected from the group consisting of analog signallevels, carrier level, carrier to noise ratio (CNR), signal to noiseratio (SNR), power line hum modulation, modulation error ratio (MER),bit error rate (BER), digital signal level, frequency of lost packets,jitter, transmit time, power level, and ranging status; and thenon-transitory memory being accessible to the processor, thenon-transitory memory including processor-executable instructions that,when executed by the processor, cause the system to: receive at theinputs the RF performance data relative to the terminal device, theplurality of distribution elements, and the plurality of end pointdevices, determine RF adjustment data relative to the terminal device,the plurality of distribution elements, and the plurality of end pointdevices, process the RF adjustment data, and based on the processing,send at the outputs at least one of: power and equalization adjustmentsto the terminal device, power and equalization adjustments to theplurality of distribution elements, and power and ranging adjustments tothe plurality of end point devices.
 20. The system as recited in claim19, wherein the RF performance data relates to a hospitality propertyselected from the group consisting of furnished multi-family residences,dormitories, lodging establishments, hotels, and hospitals.